Star England fast bowler Mark Wood is likely to return from the fourth Test in the upcoming series against India. Wood was ruled out of four months following a knee surgery after the Champions Trophy 2025. The speedster picked just one wicket in two matches as England got knocked out of the first round itself.
Recently, England selector Luke Wright revealed that Wood has progressed well on his road to recovery and has started bowling lightly. Wright said he’s expecting Wood to get fit by the fourth or fifth Test and they’re monitoring his recovery one day at a time.
“I think Woody’s now started bowling just lightly, to be honest. He’s just off a few paces, but that’s been a great sign. So, he’s on the road to recovery. I think he’s more long-term, if we can get him back, he might have an option for the fourth or fifth Test. But again, each day it’s ticking off each box and making sure he’s OK,” Wright said on Sky Sports.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer is also sustaining a thumb injury, which he suffered during the final stages of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). As a result, he was not included in the England squad for the first Test vs India set to begin from June 20.
Wright also gave an update on Archer’s fitness and mentioned that he’s set to play for Sussex on his road to recovery and is likely to be available for the second Test.
“Joff’s trucking on really well, actually. The plans for him, he’s playing a few second-team games. The plan is for him to play a few second team games, loading up in the second team for Sussex. And then the idea for him is to play for Sussex against Durham during the first Test. So, he’ll play for Sussex if all things go well, and then if all things go well fingers crossed he should be available for the second Test,” he added.
To add to England’s woes, Gus Atkison is also not available for the first Test against India due to a hamstring strain. Hence, the ECB was forced to bring back Jamie Overton after three years. He joins Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook in the seam attack for the series opener.
